Immunization & COVID Success Story: CPESN

In an effort to protect vulnerable populations, Quality Insights partnered with the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) to coordinate a series of vaccine clinics targeting COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal diseases in skilled nursing facilities across Pennsylvania. These clinics provided vital immunizations to residents and staff, helping to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses during the peak virus season.

The partnership brought together long-term care facilities and local pharmacies to ensure seamless organization and help to close the gaps in the delivery of vaccines. The clinics were designed with the unique needs of skilled nursing facilities in mind, with pharmacy partners handling everything from logistics to on-site vaccine administration.

Quality Insights has coordinated 46 vaccine clinics in 2024 through the partnership. At these clinics, 757 resident influenza vaccines, 757 resident pneumococcal vaccines, 1571 resident COVID-19 vaccines, and 82 staff COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Pennsylvania facilities. In addition to these targeted vaccines, 72 RSV vaccines, 106 Shingles vaccines, 39 TDap vaccines, and 157 staff influenza were administered to residents as a result of this partnership. These efforts helped boost the vaccination rates among high-risk populations.

The partnership made sure to address the challenges faced by nursing homes, such as limited staff availability and the ongoing management of chronic health conditions among residents. By scheduling clinics onsite, providing convenient times, and handling vaccine storage and regulatory vaccine documentation, the partnership removed many of the barriers to vaccine access that facilities face.

The partnership also supported nursing homes with education on the importance of vaccination, particularly in preventing serious illness among the elderly. This contributed to increased vaccine uptake and enhanced the overall well-being of both residents and staff.

Quality Insights also offered participating facilities onsite clinic support. Quality Improvement Specialists were available to assist with various aspects of clinic operations, including optimizing workflow, ensuring adherence to best practices, and addressing any operational challenges.

Additionally, the Quality Improvement Specialists were available to provide real-time education to residents and staff about the importance of vaccines and address any questions or concerns residents and staff may have had during the clinic, ensuring everyone had access to accurate and timely information.

Quality Insights’ collaboration with the CPESN has set a model for future public health collaborations. By coordinating between healthcare providers, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities, the initiative demonstrated how targeted efforts can protect vulnerable populations, resulting in safer, healthier environments for residents and staff alike.